Getting ready to return to college from Monday 8th March

It's the news we've all been waiting for. On Monday 22nd February the government announced plans for students to return to schools and colleges from Monday 8th March onwards.

Schools and colleges will be one of the first places to re-open as we start to emerge from lockdown. This feels like a big step in getting things back to how they were. However, we all need to remain vigilant and do our bit to make sure the ‘R’ number continues to fall.

Since the announcement, we've been working tirelessly to get things ready, such as setting up COVID testing centres, adapting our buildings, and preparing our teaching classrooms and workshops.

You should have received an email to explain a bit more about the Lateral Flow Testing process, and a date for you to return to college. If you haven’t heard from us, then please get in touch at your relevant campus:

COVID.Eastbourne@escg.ac.uk

COVID.Hastings@escg.ac.uk

COVID.Lewes@escg.ac.uk

So with that in mind, we thought it would be useful to share some tips and information, helping you get ready for your first day back.

1, Please wear a face covering.

It is really clear from the government’s guidance that face coverings are compulsory when at college and school. So before you leave to come to college, make sure you have a face covering. You will need to wear this while you are on campus - this includes in all corridors, communal areas, such as canteens and libraries, AND in your classrooms and workshops.

Students exempt from face coverings will need to provide evidence and will be issued a unique lanyard. On your first day back, our Wellbeing teams will be there to welcome you. A copy of the guidance can be read here.

2, Promote the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach.

Keeping up with our good hygiene practice in and out of college is really important as we emerge from lockdown. Alongside face coverings, you should cough and sneeze into a tissue, put it in the bin, and wash your hands afterwards.

3, Wash your hands regularly.

Please wash your hands regularly throughout the day and use hand sanitiser. We've got several hand sanitising stations across all of our campuses.

4, Keep your space.

Practising good social distancing is still really important while at college. You should avoid close, prolonged, face-to-face contact with anyone during and outside of lessons.

5, Wear layers.

Good ventilation reduces the concentration of the virus. Therefore, we will be keeping our indoor spaces well ventilated. So, make sure you wear something warm while in lessons and while moving around campus.

6, Be patient and work with us.

There will be new measures in place when we return to college, including Covid testing during the first few weeks. Please be patient and work with us as we administer these tests.

7, Try to bring a packed lunch.

You can still buy lunch and snacks from our canteens, but we will only be operating a takeaway service, with limited seating. If you can, bring your own food and drinks from home and enjoy a break outside. As long as it isn't raining, of course!

8, Enjoy some fresh air.

Try to get out into our outdoor spaces between lessons for some fresh air. This will help to prevent the spread of the virus and give your brain a bit of a boost during the day.

9, Enjoy learning again.

Being back at college and back into a routine can be great for your mental health. We hope you enjoy being back on campus with friends. But please remember to be vigilant and responsible for minimising the spread of the virus.

10, Don't come to college if you have COVID symptoms.

If you feel unwell and have symptoms of Covid-19, report it immediately and follow the stay-at-home guidance.

All of these points work together to help us all stay safe and are really effective in stopping the spread of the virus.

We know that returning to college can be an anxious time. If you are feeling particularly worried, then you can get in touch with your tutor or our Wellbeing team to discuss your concerns.

You can reach Julia in Lewes on: julia.proven@escg.ac.uk, email Helen in Eastbourne via: helen.ding@escg.ac.uk, or send a message to Lydia in Hastings: lydia.leonard@escg.ac.uk.

We’re really looking forward to welcoming you back!